The Essential Checklist: What to Ask When Surveying a House
worldreview1989 - Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions you will ever make. To avoid costly surprises and ensure you are making an informed choice, a thorough property viewing or 'survey' is essential. It's crucial to look past the fresh paint and staging and ask the right, pointed questions.
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| The Essential Checklist: What to Ask When Surveying a House |
Here is a comprehensive guide to the essential questions you must ask the seller, the real estate agent, and even yourself during the home surveying process.
I. General and Transactional Questions
These questions focus on the seller’s motivation, the property’s market history, and the overall transaction details. They give you leverage in negotiation and insight into the urgency of the sale.
Why are the owners selling?
A seemingly simple question, but the answer can be revealing. A neutral reason (e.g., relocating for a job, upsizing, downsizing) is ideal. A vague or uncomfortable answer might suggest underlying issues with the property or the neighborhood.
How long has the property been on the market?
If it has been listed for a long time (significantly longer than the local average), ask for the reason. It could indicate the price is too high, or that previous viewers discovered a problem.
Have there been any offers made already, and why were they rejected?
This helps you gauge the competition and understand the seller's price expectations or stubbornness on certain terms.
Is the seller in a 'chain,' and what is their preferred closing timeline?
A long chain (where the seller also needs to buy another property) can delay the process significantly. Knowing their timeline helps align your expectations and financial planning.
What exactly is included in the sale (fixtures and fittings)?
Be specific about large appliances, curtains, light fixtures, garden sheds, or greenhouses. Clarifying this upfront prevents disappointment later.
What is the minimum price the seller will accept?
While agents may be reluctant to give a firm number, pressing them can sometimes lead to a more realistic price range for your offer.
II. Structural and Condition Questions
These are arguably the most important questions, as they address the physical health of the property and potential future maintenance costs.
How old is the roof, and when was it last maintained or replaced?
Replacing a roof is a major expense. Understanding its age and condition is vital.
When was the boiler/heating system last serviced or replaced?
Similarly, the central heating system is a critical and expensive component. Ask for service records.
Have there been any major renovations or additions, and are there permits/building regulations for the work?
Unpermitted work can become a legal headache and an expensive problem to rectify.
Are there any signs of damp, leaks, or water damage?
Check ceilings, corners of rooms, and the basement/attic for water stains, mold, or mildew smells. Ask about any history of flooding in the area.
What is the condition of the electrical wiring and the fuse box/circuit breaker panel?
In older homes, outdated wiring might require a full and costly upgrade to meet current safety standards.
What is the water pressure like?
Test the shower and flush the toilet simultaneously, if possible. Low water pressure is a common yet frustrating issue.
What is the property’s energy efficiency rating (e.g., BER, EPC)?
A low rating means higher utility bills and may require expensive insulation or window upgrades.
III. Running Costs and Utility Questions
The purchase price is only the beginning. You need to understand the ongoing monthly and yearly costs.
What are the average monthly/yearly costs for utilities (electricity, gas, water)?
Ask to see copies of recent bills if possible. This provides a clear picture of the home's running efficiency.
What is the amount of the annual property taxes (Council Tax/Property Tax)?
Ensure you know the exact tax bracket/band for the property, as this is a recurring fixed cost.
Are there any common charges, HOA fees, or ground rent (especially for leasehold properties)?
These mandatory recurring fees can significantly impact your monthly budget.
What is the internet speed and mobile phone signal like inside the house?
In the modern age, reliable connectivity is a necessity. Test the signal yourself if possible.
IV. Location and Neighborhood Questions
The property's location affects your lifestyle, security, and long-term value.
What is the neighborhood like at different times of the day (especially evenings and weekends)?
Visit the area outside of your scheduled viewing time. Is there heavy traffic, noise, or inadequate street lighting?
What are the local transport links like?
Ask about the nearest public transport stops, travel times to key areas, and on-street parking availability/restrictions.
What are the local schools (and their performance ratings)?
Even if you don't have children, school quality is a major factor in property valuation.
Are there any planned developments or construction projects nearby?
A new road, shopping center, or housing estate could drastically change the view, noise level, or traffic congestion.
What is the relationship with the immediate neighbours?
A difficult neighbour can turn a dream home into a nightmare. While the agent may be careful, you can often pick up on subtle cues.
V. Exterior and Land Questions
The outside of the property requires as much scrutiny as the inside.
Where exactly are the property boundaries?
Clarify the extent of the land, especially if fences or hedges appear ambiguous.
Which direction does the garden/yard face?
A south-facing garden gets the most sun, which is highly desirable. This significantly impacts your use of the outdoor space.
Is there any history of Japanese Knotweed or other invasive plants on the property or nearby?
This weed can severely damage a property's foundation and is notoriously expensive to eradicate, making mortgage approval difficult.
Final Thought: Trust Your Gut
After asking all the technical questions, take a moment to be silent in the house. Does the property feel right? Does it feel safe, quiet, and like a place you can call home? No amount of information can replace your personal intuition. A well-prepared survey, armed with these essential questions, combined with an objective eye and a good home inspection, will equip you to make the best possible investment decision.